2) Go first to find your brother,
Your sister or your friend.
Do not reveal to others
The hurt you need to mend.
Confront in humble spirit
The one whose sin caused pain
That he might seek forgiveness
and you a friend regain.
3) When bitter anger tempts you
To nurse your broken heart
With brooding thoughts of hatred
And vows of vengeance start.
Pray to the Lord of Pardon
For power to release
Each selfish act against you
That rage might in you cease.
4) O Father, Son, and Spirit,
O Patient Trinity,
Who lifts from us sin's burden
And from its debt sets free.
Grant us the will to pardon
All those who us offend
That we might enter heaven
With them when ages end.
(C)1990 Robert E. Smith. Permission is granted herewith to freely copy, distribute, use or perform for non-commercial purposes, provided this notice remains attached. All other rights are reserved. Notes: Based on Matt. 18:15-35, to be sung to the tune "Aurelia." For Series A gospels, 16th & 17th Pentecost. Written 9/20/90. Debut 9/23/90 at Messiah/Wolcottville. This hymn was first published in LUTHERAN DIGEST, 38 (1991) no. 4:31.